Michel Foucault’s notion of self-assessment and subjectification reveals the intricate relationship between spirituality, power and the construction of the self in modern society
Michel Foucault, a renowned French philosopher, extensively explored themes of power, knowledge, and the self. His perspective on spirituality and self-assessment is particularly insightful when viewed through the lens of his concept of “technologies of the self.” This concept reflects Foucault’s interest in how individuals engage in practices that shape their conduct and identity, often aiming at ethical and spiritual transformation.
Foucault viewed spirituality not merely as a religious practice but as a broader process of transformation. He saw it as a series of practices individuals undertake to reach a particular state of being or ethical life. These practices, which he termed “technologies of the self,” encompass activities like meditation, self-reflection, and other introspective methods. The goal of these practices is often self-improvement and ethical living, highlighting an active engagement in shaping one’s identity and moral conduct.
Central to these technologies of the self is the practice of self-assessment. For Foucault, self-assessment is more than just self-criticism; it involves a deep examination of one’s thoughts, behaviours, and beliefs in relation to moral or ethical standards. This reflective process helps individuals understand their place in the world and how their actions align with broader ethical frameworks. Foucault considered this practice a form of self-care and self-governance, where individuals take an active role in their development and ethical life.
Foucault’s view challenges the idea that spirituality and self-assessment are purely internal or personal practices. Instead, he emphasized that these practices are shaped by broader social and cultural norms, which influence how individuals understand themselves and their ethical responsibilities. This perspective ties closely with Foucault’s broader ideas about power, knowledge, and the construction of the self.
One of the critical aspects of Foucault’s thought is the concept of “subjectification.” This is one of the three modes of “objectification” that he identified, alongside dividing practices and scientific classification. In the context of spirituality, subjectification involves individuals subjecting themselves to rigorous scrutiny, perceiving, and treating themselves as objects. This self-examination process is crucial for self-understanding and self-improvement and often involves sharing one’s innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Subjectification, according to Foucault, leads individuals to change themselves, reflecting broader historical shifts in power dynamics and the development of human and scientific knowledge. Essentially, this concept highlights how individuals internalize and enact societal norms and expectations, viewing their identity and behaviour through an external, objectifying lens.
Foucault argued that in the past, power was often exercised through physical force, such as rulers using armies to control populations or punishing criminals with harsh physical penalties. However, over time, particularly with the rise of industrial capitalism, the focus shifted towards ensuring the well-being and productivity of populations. This shift led to a decreased emphasis on physical punishment and an increased focus on reforming individuals to become better citizens.
A notable example of this shift is the concept of the Panopticon, a prison design where cells are arranged in a circle around a central watchtower. The prisoners cannot see if they are being watched, creating a sense of constant surveillance that encourages them to regulate their behaviour. Foucault used this concept to illustrate how modern societies use similar methods to encourage self-regulation, not just in prisons but across various social institutions.
In contemporary society, this phenomenon is evident in how people behave on social media, where the awareness of being observed influences their behaviour. This reflects a broader trend where control is exerted not through direct force but through surveillance, norms, and expectations.
In essence, Foucault’s analysis shows a shift from controlling individuals through physical means to influencing their behaviour through internalized norms and self-regulation. This shift is central to understanding his views on spirituality and self-assessment, where the process of self-transformation is deeply intertwined with societal structures and power dynamics.